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In general, θ would be the angle between the position vector (r), which describes the point of application with respect to some axis, and the force vector (F).dadiezel07 said:Can someone dummify what theta represents in Torque = rFsin(theta)?
No. Assuming you are trying to express the torque on the pulley, realize that the tensions are tangential to the pulley.if my understanding of theta is correct for this problem theta would be 53 degrees.
Doc Al said:No. Assuming you are trying to express the torque on the pulley, realize that the tensions are tangential to the pulley.
I mean that the line of action of the tension force (which is the line that the ropes make) is tangential to the circle that is the pulley. Which means that if you draw a radius to the point of application of the force, the force would be at 90° to the radius.dadiezel07 said:When you say they are tangential to the pulley, can you explain a little furthur.
Yes.dadiezel07 said:so in the case of the pulley will the theta angle always be 90 degrees?
Theta, denoted by the Greek letter θ, is the angle between the force vector and the lever arm in the equation Torque=rFsin(theta). It is an important factor in determining the magnitude of torque exerted on an object.
The angle theta can be measured using a protractor or by calculating it using trigonometric functions, depending on the given information about the force and lever arm. It is usually measured in degrees or radians.
Theta is important because it affects the magnitude of torque exerted on an object. Changing the angle theta can significantly change the resulting torque, even if the force and lever arm remain constant.
Yes, theta can be negative in the torque equation. This occurs when the force and lever arm are in opposite directions, resulting in a negative value for the sine of theta. However, when calculating torque, theta is usually taken as a positive value, regardless of the direction of the force and lever arm.
The direction of rotation in torque depends on the direction of the force and the angle theta. If theta is greater than 90 degrees, the torque will cause clockwise rotation. If theta is less than 90 degrees, the torque will cause counterclockwise rotation. A theta of exactly 90 degrees will result in no rotation.